Drinking three glasses of champagne a week can help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease, scientists have found.

A compound found in Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes used to make many bubblies, is said to prevent the onset of the brain diseases.

The research published by academics at Reading University found that compounds in champagne improved spatial memory, which records information about the environment and then stores the information for future needs.

Researchers attribute the brain boosting benefits of champagne to phenolic compounds found in the two red grape types used to produce the alcohol.

Red wine has been shown to have similar brain boosting benefits but those are thought to come from flavonoids in the wine.

University of Reading Professor Jeremy Spencer said: "These exciting results illustrate for the first time that the moderate consumption of champagne has the potential to influence cognitive functioning, such as memory.

"Such observations have previously been reported with red wine, through the actions of flavonoids contained within it.

"However, our research shows that champagne, which lacks flavonoids, is also capable of influencing brain function through the actions of smaller phenolic compounds, previously thought to lack biological activity."

Professor Spencer did urge caution, adding: "We encourage a responsible approach to alcohol consumption, and our results suggest that a very low intake of one to two glasses a week can be effective."

Previous research from the University of Reading revealed that two glasses of champagne a day may be good for your heart and circulation and could reduce the risks of suffering from cardiovascular disease and stroke.